Carman-Irish House

Known as American Legion Post #390 for the past six decades, this Federal-style building -- with hip roof and "Widow's Walk" cupola located on the corner of Greenwich Street and Marvin Avenue in Hempstead Village -- has eighteenth century, and possibly earlier, roots.

The home retains evidence of early post and beam construction components in both its basement and attic. It is said to have been built by a Mr. Nelson around 1700. Mr. Nelson was reportedly a close friend of William Penn, who is believed to have spent some time at the home during the early 1700s.

The home was sold by Mr. Nelson to Tillinghast Irish. It was Mr. Irish who added the south colonial appearance, having come to Hempstead from Tennessee. The property was then sold to Samuel Carman, a descendant of one of Hempstead Town's founders, John Carman. In 1840, the house was owned by David Sammis, a member of one of Hempstead Village's most prominent early families. Henry Irish owned the home during the Civil War and it was his heirs that sold the building to the American Legion around 1940.

This building appears in the Historic Buildings Survey of 1936 and is considered to be a likely candidate for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.